Broncos defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike is still rusty since returning from a more than year-long suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy, but the team values ​​his talent enough to keep him on the 53-man roster.

“He’s not quite there yet. But he’s big, athletic and plays hard,” general manager George Paton said Tuesday after the NFL’s deadline to reduce the roster passed. “We thought the talent was too great (to pass up).”

Uwazurike returned to practice earlier this month after the league allowed him to play again. He was originally suspended last July, and a criminal complaint filed in Iowa in August 2023 alleged that he bet on college games at Iowa State University, where he played, and on five Broncos games during his 2022 rookie season.

Earlier this year, criminal charges were dropped in Iowa, setting the stage for his return to play. Uwazurike could not return to play until July 24 at the earliest.

Uwazurike, a fourth-round pick in 2022, played in Denver’s final two preseason games this month and had two tackles in Sunday’s win over Arizona.

Paton said Uwazurike had put his suspension behind him and shown remorse for his actions.

“He’s a good kid who made a mistake,” Paton said. “We’re glad he’s here. He’s going to help us.”

Broncos value the potential of Bailey and Crum: With running back Blake Watson, offensive tackle Frank Crum and inside linebacker Levelle Bailey on the team, Denver has had an undrafted free agent on the roster in 20 of the last 21 seasons.

Bailey had a strong summer that culminated with a pick-six in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ win over the Cardinals. Paton said head coach Sean Payton played a role in Bailey signing with Denver after the draft. The former Fresno State linebacker has impressed the coaching staff since then.

“(Bailey is) young, athletic (and) plays with his hair on fire,” Paton said.

Crum’s training camp was shaky, but Paton said the team appreciates his potential. Paton said the team can’t pass up his ability.

“There aren’t many (6’0″) guys that can bend like he can and have the strength to do it,” Paton said. “He’s still inexperienced.”

Paton on keeping three quarterbacks: It’s official. Denver has kept three quarterbacks – Bo Nix, Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham – on the 53-man roster.

“We really appreciate the quarterback staff,” Paton said. “All of those guys support each other, compete with each other and work well together. We’re lucky to have all three of them.”

Paton added that Nix has earned the opportunity to be the starting quarterback and praised the rookie’s maturity and efficiency when in action.

Paton said every rookie has ups and downs, but the Broncos are ready to support Nix through them.